Education at centre of vision for country
Ramaphosa said the party was particularly proud of the fact that learners from predominantly poor and working-class backgrounds (quintiles 1-3) again made up the greater majority of those attaining bachelor passes.
“President Nelson Mandela said it best when he remarked: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“Gauteng and Free State have consistently performed well and the top 10 best performing schools are in these two provinces. A special appreciation is extended to the Eastern Cape Department of Education, whose pass rate increased by 5.6% to achieve an overall rate of 70.6%.
“Much, much more needs to be done to ensure that access is combined with quality across the length and breadth of the country,” he had said.
Yesterday, he admitted that for some time it had appeared that the ANC had lost its way.
“We are using the experiences of yesterday so we can be stronger tomorrow. We are working hard to grow the economy and we have a clear vision.”
He also spoke about crime in the country, vowing to work to dramatically reduce gender-based violence and crimes against women and children.
Ramaphosa asked the church to pray for the party and for the country ahead of national elections, saying “all of us need your prayers and we should know we have your support but also that you are walking this path with us”.